Buckeyes Add 11 for 2014-15 Season

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State women’s swimming and diving team has added an 11-member incoming freshman class for the 2014-15 season, a group that includes top swimmers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, one international standout and one diver.

“Liz [Hinkleman] and I are very excited about the young ladies who have chosen to pursue their academic and athletic dreams as Buckeyes,” said head coach Bill Dorenkott. “It is a class with a significant amount of past achievement and future upside. Most importantly, they are a terrific fit for The Ohio State University and our program.”

Katie AntalSlippery Rock, Pa.Slippery Rock High SchoolAMS Scholastic All American … National Scholastic All American … Junior National qualifier in the 100 breaststroke … National qualifier.

On choosing Ohio State: “I chose Ohio State because it had everything that I wanted in a school. I felt right at home with the coaching staff and team. Also, it has the amazing Buckeye tradition that I can't wait to be a part of.”

Elizabeth AuckleyBay Village, OhioBay High SchoolHigh School All American and Academic All American … Wendy’s High School Heisman State Finalist … Ohio Division II State Champion in the 100 butterfly … finished third in the 100 backstroke in the state finals … admitted to Ohio State’s Honors College.

On choosing Ohio State: “The outstanding swim program – from the coaches to the swimmers to the facilities – the excellent academics, and the vast opportunities available at Ohio State made it the perfect school for me.”

Zara BaileyPeterborough, EnglandFinalist at British nationals every year since she was 11 … Represented Jamaica internationally in the CARIFTA championship at junior level … won five gold medals, two silver and three bronze ... at senior level, has swum in the Pan American Games and the World Championship … an individual medley swimmer.

On choosing Ohio State: “The family feel and welcome I received on my visit, the incredible facilities and the experience and empathy that the coaching staff showed to me.”

Kathleen CookAtlanta, Ga.Woodward AcademyMember of Georgia state championship-winning 400 and 200 freestyle relay teams … second in the 100 freestyle and third in the 200 freestyle at state championship meet … helped Woodward win the Georgia 5A state title.

On choosing Ohio State: “I chose Ohio State because of the resources, the team chemistry, and the animal sciences program. Because of OSU's size, there are alumni everywhere, and they are very eager to tell you about their positive experiences at the school. These alumni love their school so much they are happy to help out a fellow Buckeye with anything. Also, the team chemistry at Ohio State is amazing! The girls are very friendly and I can't wait to train with them and make memories that will last a lifetime. Finally, the animal science program is one of the best in the nation and definitely affected my decision to attend the school.”

Paige KellyHudson, OhioHudsonAll-American 500 freestyle … USA Swimming Academic All-American … finished fourth in the 500 freestyle and ninth in the 200 freestyle at the state finals … also swam on the 200 freestyle relay and 400 freestyle relay at the state finals, finishing fifth and seventh, respectively.

On choosing Ohio State: “I chose Ohio State because I immediately felt comfortable and connected to the coaches and the girls on the team. Coach Dorenkott is supportive and has great vision and I know is committed to developing me as an athlete and a person, while OSU has endless academic opportunities available. I look forward to being part of such a special team and taking my swimming career to the next level.”

Brittany MenningerPowell, OhioOlentangy LibertyQualified for the 2014 USA Diving Spring Junior Region 3 Championships where she scored a 481.00 on the 3-meter dive … member of the US Elite Diving Academy … competed in the 2013 USA Diving 16-18 National Championships and 2012 USA Diving Summer Zone B Championships.

Macie McNicholsBrecksville, OhioGilmour AcademyThree-time Scholastic All American … eight-time NISCA All American … three-time Division II state champion in the 50 freestyle … runner-up at the state finals in the 100 freestyle … won the 100 freestyle as a sophomore … of Gilmour’s 13 top-four boys and girls individual finishes all-time in swimming and diving at state, she has six of them.

On choosing Ohio State: "I knew, the moment I walked onto campus, that Ohio State was the place for me. The team, coaches, and school were just so amazing; it felt like home from that moment on. Ohio State is such a great place. I know that it will be able to provide so many opportunities for me, not only in the pool but also in the classroom and later in life. I cannot wait for the next four years. Go Bucks!"

Amanda McNultyGreenville, SCJ.L. Mann High SchoolTwo-time scholastic All-American … High School All-American … Five-time All-state selection … a member of three state championship teams.

On choosing Ohio State: “Ever since I came into this world kicking and screaming on an Ohio State vs. 'The Team Up North' game day, I knew I would be a Buckeye for life. I felt like I fit right in with the team, coaches and campus when I made my trip down to Columbus for junior day, and my official visit this fall reaffirmed my sense of belonging and excitement to be a Buckeye, making my decision to commit to The Ohio State University an easy one. I wanted a school where I would be challenged and pushed to keep improving and I know that at OSU, I will not only be surrounded by outstanding coaches and teammates in the pool who will do just that, but in the classroom as well.”

Molly WashkoStrongsville, OhioStrongsvilleTen-time high school all-American … finalist at two USA swimming junior national meets … finished fourth in the 100 breaststroke at the 2014 OHSAA state finals … 14th overall last summer in the 100 breaststroke at the 2013 USA Swimming Junior Nationals.

On choosing Ohio State: “It truly seemed to be the best fit for me. From an awesome coaching staff to an amazing team, I could really tell that this was a place where I could become a better athlete, student, and person. I can't wait to be a part of such an amazing swimming program and I know this is the place for me! Go Bucks!”

Alex WittmanClearwater Beach, Fla.Osceola High SchoolHigh school all American … USA scholastic all American … Junior national qualifier … national top-10 1500 LCM freestyle age 17 in 2013 … national top-10 800 freestyle relay SCY age 15-18 in 2013 … world trial/national qualifier in 2014 for 1500 LCM freestyle … set a record in the 500 free, winning in 4:51.68, at the Pinellas County Athletic Conference meet.

On choosing Ohio State: “Personally, I chose Ohio State because I felt that it was the best fit for me both academically and athletically. I feel like I can excel in both with the amazing programs OSU has to offer. Also, I have been a Buckeye fan my entire life and OSU has been my dream school ever since I was little. I am very excited to finally start living my dream!”

“We are not done with our recruiting efforts heading into August 2014,” said Dorenkott. “I anticipate us adding both swimmers and divers to this class over the next few months. It is a very exciting time in our program and the buzz around our efforts is certainly building.”